saa2 gung1 fu1耍功夫
Jyutpingsaa2 gung1 fu1
Yalesá gūng fū
Definition
To practice Kung Fu.
colloquialsports
How it's used
While 耍功夫 is perfectly understandable, native speakers often prefer the more direct 打功夫 when describing the physical act of training or sparring. The verb 耍 carries a slightly more performative or artistic nuance, sometimes implying the display of forms or routines rather than just combat training.
Examples
He really loved practicing Kung Fu when he was a kid.
When did you start practicing Kung Fu?
Related words
Common phrases
to perform a set of Kung Fu routines
Common mistake
Avoid using 耍 as a generic verb for all sports or physical activities. It is specifically linked to traditional martial arts or performance arts like 耍雜技, so using it for activities like running or swimming sounds unnatural.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
Pronoun
Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- TonesCantonese has six tones, and the tones can change in certain grammatical contexts. Learn the six tones and the rules for tone change.
- Time and datesClock time, days of the week, months, and years. The patterns you need to make plans and talk about when things happen.
- Modal verbsHow to say can, will, may, should, must, and want. The core modal verbs of Cantonese and the differences that trip up beginners.
